By Danhassan Abubakar
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), in partnership with Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), has trained 1,000 students and 15 staff members on career planning, professional growth, and workplace readiness.
The intensive training programme, fully sponsored by TETFund and organised through SAZU’s Directorate of Human Resource and Career Development, was designed to enhance the professional capacity of students while equipping staff with tools to provide effective career guidance.
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of SAZU, Prof. Fatimah Tahir, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to producing graduates who excel both academically and professionally. She described the workshop, themed “Empowering Future Professionals: Mastering Career Tools, Building Networks, and Navigating Opportunities,” as a strategic step towards institutionalising career guidance and strengthening industry engagement across all faculties.
“This workshop builds the capacity of our Faculty Career Officers and dedicated staff who will anchor career development initiatives within their respective faculties,” she said. Prof. Tahir also expressed appreciation to TETFund for its support in establishing the university’s Career Service Centre, noting that the intervention would create a sustainable platform to provide lifelong career services for students and alumni.
Director of Human Resource and Career Development, Dr. Wasilu Suleman, described the initiative as a turning point in the university’s approach to linking academic learning with career outcomes. Addressing the staff participants, he emphasised their pivotal role in shaping students’ career journeys.
“You are not just support staff; you are mentors, facilitators, and connectors,” he said. “Your role is to help students discover their purpose, build competence, and compete effectively in today’s dynamic labour market.”
Facilitators engaged participants in sessions covering résumé and cover letter writing, internship and volunteer placements, mock interviews, and salary negotiation strategies.
At the close of the workshop, participants expressed confidence that the training had equipped them with practical skills and insights to better navigate career pathways and seize professional opportunities.